SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience. The SP-Star Polaris Purple switches are celebrated for their pronounced tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating sensation with each keystroke that many typists cherish. This tactile feedback is paired with a snappy sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience that keeps you in tune with every action. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches, known for their smooth linear response, offer a different appeal with their full PA12 housing and T5 stem. The subtle yet relatively deep sound profile of the SU switches caters to those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience. While the Polaris Purple excels at providing a pronounced tactile sensation ideal for typing feedback, the HMX SU offers fluidity and silence, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions or quiet work environments. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX SU, distinct differences emerge in the sound profiles they create due to their chosen materials. The Polaris Purple switch utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by clarity and resonance. This quality is primarily attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows it to transmit sound waves with minimal absorption. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing the light to shine through beautifully. This unified composition contributes to a consistent auditory experience when both bottoming out and releasing the keys, maintaining a coherent sound signature throughout the use of the switch.
In contrast, the HMX SU opts for nylon for its top and bottom housings, which leads to a distinctly different auditory quality. Nylon is known for its softer and more absorbent nature, creating a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to dull and round out the acoustic experience. While this may appeal to users seeking a more muted auditory feedback, it contrasts with the bright and crisp sound signature of the Polaris Purple. The use of nylon is indicative of a classic switch housing approach, and while it may require an adjustment in typing responsiveness for those used to polycarbonate switches, this material also provides its own unique tactile feedback that many users appreciate.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can still deliver high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience, albeit with contrasting sound profiles. The Polaris Purple's dual polycarbonate construction ensures a consistent high-pitched tone, while the HMX SU's nylon housing creates a richer, warmer sound. If one were to switch from one type to the other, the distinct characteristics of each material would influence user interactions; the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in auditory feedback and tactile sensation. Those who enjoy a sharper response may gravitate toward the Polaris Purple, while users who prefer a softer sound may appreciate the HMX SU.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is notably lighter. This means that for users looking for a switch that requires less energy to type, the HMX SU would be the more suitable option. Conversely, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Polaris Purple despite the lack of information on its actuation force. Overall, the Polaris Purple offers a heavier feel with a higher bottom out force, while the HMX SU provides a lighter touch, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm suggests that the Polaris Purple offers a deeper key press, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the SU switch can provide quicker actuation, making it more suitable for gamers or users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who enjoy a more substantial key feel may gravitate towards the Polaris Purple, while users looking for snappier response times might opt for the HMX SU linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a snappy audio profile that is neutral in character. This makes it versatile for various settings, whether you’re working in an office environment or typing at home. Its sound intensity is moderate, which strikes a balance that caters to both novices and experienced users alike. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a relatively deep sound profile, albeit more subtle than that of the Polaris Purple. While it may not have as pronounced a snap, the deeper tones can create a satisfying auditory experience for those who appreciate a muted atmosphere. Overall, both switches have their unique sound characteristics; however, the sound experience will be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is recognized for its big tactile bump, which results in an exhilarating typing experience. Reviewers often describe it as mild and polished, offering users a smoother and more refined feel that minimizes friction during key travel, largely thanks to its material composition and potential factory lubrication. This makes it approachable for a wide range of users. The tactile feedback allows for confident typing without being overly harsh. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics for the HMX SU linear switch remain unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the nuances of tactile versus linear switching experiences.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch stands out with its exhilarating tactile experience and balanced sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments. While the HMX SU linear switch features a unique and deeper sound, its tactile qualities remain unspecified, leaving potential users to explore its performance further. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your preferences regarding sound and feel, both of which can deliver satisfying keypress feedback, albeit in different manners.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force, the Polaris Purple will likely excite you with its substantial tactile bump and snappy sound profile. This switch is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more engaging typing experience, making it ideal for both enthusiasts who relish the tactile sensation and professionals who appreciate a responsive feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother, quieter experience with lighter key presses, the HMX SU linear switch is your best bet. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and refined sound profile, the SU offers a more effortless typing experience, making it perfect for gamers or anyone who prioritizes speed and minimal resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, selecting the right switch boils down to how much you value tactile feedback versus a smooth, light touch in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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